Search for 2 missing hunters continues

The Virginia Department of Game of Inland Fisheries is leading the search for the two duck hunters who went missing in the James River.

A spokesperson with VDGIF says due to heavy ice in the river, search crews cannot use boats to search for Kyle Englehart, 29, and Austin Savage, 20. Both men have ties to the Varina area.

VDGIF, along with assistance from the Virginia State Police and other local agencies, are using a drone for an aerial search, as well as performing foot searches along the coast.

Savage works at Varina High School.

"Austin is a valued member of the Varina High School maintenance team, and our thoughts and prayers are with the families of both men as the search continues," said Andy Jenks, spokesperson for Henrico County Public Schools.

Englehart and Savage have not been seen since they hit the water Wednesday to repair a duck blind across the river.

The men left the Jamestown Yacht Basin on a 16-foot boat, attempting to cross the James River and head to Gray's Creek to search for the blind. The trip happened during frigid temperatures when 5 to 10 inches of snow began blanketing the region.